Frit-Happens !

Lampwork => Borosilicate => Topic started by: fionaess on July 05, 2014, 10:47:38 AM

Title: Quartz rod
Post by: fionaess on July 05, 2014, 10:47:38 AM
Hi
I'm looking for a quartz rod, I fancy to try my hand at fuming, any ideas where I might get hold of one?
Thanks
Title: Re: Quartz rod
Post by: ajda on July 05, 2014, 12:00:02 PM
Me too!
Title: Re: Quartz rod
Post by: fionaess on July 05, 2014, 12:27:31 PM
I know off mandrel used to have them, I think k
Title: Re: Quartz rod
Post by: Steampunkglass on July 07, 2014, 09:01:14 AM
I got two with the kit that Di East used to sell, one for silver, one for gold and a little stand that they fit into. I have used a thick boro rod before now, although you lose some of the fume onto the rod itself and doesn't last as long it might work for a bit if you aren't doing very much?
Title: Re: Quartz rod
Post by: The Tartan Trout on July 07, 2014, 09:21:46 AM
Tuffnells sell the kits for a very reasonable price.
Title: Re: Quartz rod
Post by: fionaess on July 07, 2014, 11:34:23 AM
Thanks for the suggestions. But I think I may have sourced a bit :)
Title: Re: Quartz rod
Post by: ajda on July 07, 2014, 12:22:14 PM
I'm only after a length of quartz rod, not the rest of the kit... How secret is that source Fiona? Is there any more?
Title: Re: Quartz rod
Post by: Bobbo on July 07, 2014, 04:46:55 PM
HS Walsh have these for £8.60:

http://www.hswalsh.com/product/quartz-stirring-rod-ts884 (http://www.hswalsh.com/product/quartz-stirring-rod-ts884)

I've never used one but I think this should be ok, it's designed for stirring molten gold and silver.

Rob.
Title: Re: Quartz rod
Post by: Pat from Canvey on July 07, 2014, 07:13:16 PM
If I remember correctly. the rods in the kit Di East used to sell had concave tips so that the molten silver or gold ( now shaped like little balls ) was less likely to fall off when fuming a bead.
Title: Re: Quartz rod
Post by: Steampunkglass on July 07, 2014, 08:40:46 PM
Quote from: Pat from Canvey on July 07, 2014, 07:13:16 PM
If I remember correctly. the rods in the kit Di East used to sell had concave tips so that the molten silver or gold ( now shaped like little balls ) was less likely to fall off when fuming a bead.
Yes, she grinds a small dome into the top of them, which can easily be done with a dremel and does help keep it in place. The silver tend to stick once it's melted, but the gold always seem to fall off, then roll away into the general dust and clutter never to be seen again!
Title: Re: Quartz rod
Post by: Ancasta on November 09, 2014, 02:41:30 PM
Just saw this thread - you don't have to stick to quartz, you can use narrow Boro tubes and it will stick to the end. Just remember to keep the glass part out of the hottest part of the fame. I got my quartz from a Scientific flamework store in Bedfordshire, together with my other supplies, perhaps I can arrange a future extra order for folks on here :)


*Edit*  ??? Confused now, this account is old but I haven't posted in eons, yet it lists me as a new member. Oh well *pulls up a tea trolley and passes round some cakes*  ;D
Title: Re: Quartz rod
Post by: Pauline on November 09, 2014, 02:57:54 PM
Quote from: Ancasta on November 09, 2014, 02:41:30 PM
*Edit*  ??? Confused now, this account is old but I haven't posted in eons, yet it lists me as a new member. Oh well *pulls up a tea trolley and passes round some cakes*  ;D


Well welcome back then, I'll have a slice off lemon drizzle please